The iPhone Mini Is Real! (It’s Just Not Made By Apple)

11:00AM August 3, 2009 | Nick Broughall

There you have it! Video proof that the iPhone mini exists!

Obviously a Chinese iClone, the “iPhone Mini” looks pretty similar the the original handset. The icons are all the same, the home button and the curved black finish all fit the clone bill nicely. But the unresponsiveness of the touchscreen, the weird side menu that it kicks out into when you actually touch the screen (not to mention the font) all scream out “ripoff!” Oh, and the “designed by Rola” on the back under the iPhone Mini badge also sort of gives it away…

Actually seeing this though makes me think Apple will never walk the path of an iPhone Mini – I mean, what’s the point? You’d have to sacrifice so much just to have a slightly smaller form factor, which might lower the cost, but at the expense of functionality. And I don’t think that’s Apple’s way…

[Thanks Bill!]

Comments

Aaron Divitini

August 3, 2009 at 12:44 PM

oh geeze, thaty is terrible, there arnt words

matt

August 3, 2009 at 1:28 PM

lol, the home button isn’t even on strait

Ben

August 3, 2009 at 2:44 PM

I think I got frustrated just watching apps loads. I don’t even own it :S

Asif

August 3, 2009 at 4:31 PM

I like the smaller form factor. Comparable with the Palm Pre in size.

Good observation about the home button Matt.

Eve

August 4, 2009 at 4:40 AM

well depends on if we’re forced to use AT&T, if not, then maybe.

BTW: is http://www.gizmodo.com not working for anyone else? the .au is working though

Adie

August 24, 2009 at 6:44 PM

I bought one last week in Bangkok for around AU$80. Yes the touch screen is frustratingly iffy (much better if you use a pen though), yes the button is on wonky, yes it’s tacky but hey it’s cheap and the phone works fine and it takes duel SIM cards which is really handy when traveling abroad.
What do you expect for under $100

Cameron

August 31, 2009 at 12:12 PM

I bought one in Singapore last month. Paid Aus$120. Great little phone and works very well with two sim cards. Small and light.

sconeee

September 25, 2009 at 3:35 PM

ahahaha, i know someone who got one of these last week for$600au. clearly, ripped off. but i dont see why she didn’t just get the extra $100 for the real deal. >.<

Roxi

November 7, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Is $150au worth for this phone?
Thanks

R6

December 3, 2009 at 12:36 AM

the 3rd gen iphone mini replica has improved.
it even has touchflow, wifi, gprs, java2.0, G-sensor, FM radio, Analog TV, quad band, dual sim, dual standby, mp3/4, bluetooth and apps similar to the original iphone. i got one for myself and satisfied with it, considering the price, i can change it yearly right? china replica phones keeps getting better.
hey, where does orig iphone made? china right!
LOL!
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jane

December 19, 2009 at 6:49 PM

funny thing is, a friend of mine got one of those from her brother a few weeks ago when he returned from overseas. its kinda crazy really. its impossible to text with, its just a real bother, but it is somewhat ‘cute’

jacqui

December 25, 2009 at 12:10 AM

omg i got mine for 70$ aus and does not have that apple sign and does not say iphone grr! it hardly has anything on it.. and im not sure if u can get internet on it?

della

February 26, 2010 at 7:02 PM

omg! i have one but its looks like the actual thing and smaller of course. the screen is not very sensitive and its kinda crap but its cute..

I only got mine for $30!! AUS :D

Anonymous

October 30, 2010 at 9:12 PM

Did anyone notice that the person was filming this iPhone mini with a real iPhone?

Howie Dewitt

September 17, 2011 at 3:12 AM

Yes, he was using his own iPhone to record the video! Also notice that the home button is slightly crooked.

Howie Dewitt

September 17, 2011 at 3:18 AM

There is also a silver ring around the camera which is not on the actual iPhone. Only the Chinese can get away with this. Apple would sue the heck out of a USA company that produced an iPhone clone (hey it rhymes) with an Apple/iPhone logo.

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